The former Midland Railway branch line from Ashchurch to Barnt Green via Evesham was typical of the numerous lines constructed as Britain’s railway network spread throughout the country during the 19th century. The route, which opened in stages between 1859 and 1868, provided an essential link for the various communities along it, such as Redditch and Alcester, but also generated much of its revenue as an important diversionary route running parallel to the Midland Railway main line between Gloucester and Birmingham, bypassing the notorious Lickey Incline. The section of line from Redditch north to Barnt Green remains open today and is now electrified as part of the Birmingham cross-city line, the remainder closed in the 1960s.

Contents are:

• The Evesham Link at Saltley, 1950-51
• A Historical Review
• The Railway Described [location by location]
• Train Working over the Evesham Branch
• Six Appendices

Bob Essery, an experts on the Midland Railway – provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the history and operation of the line, drawing upon many years of detailed research and his personal knowledge of the line when he worked as a footplateman in the area.